Review on Linear Tube Audio Aero DAC

Hey danager,

That's a great question. The LTA Aero is a qualitative  shift to a much higher level of dynamics, clarity, 3D imaging, much more pristine timbres/colors, and bass extension then the MHDT DAC. LTA used import/sell the MHDT Orchid DAC and was/is very good for its time and price.

You are correct I find R2R DACs, often with tubes in the analog conversation section to be the most musical and relaxing DACs for my taste.

Teajay

“Up to 24-bit / 192 kHz PCM”
That’s a non-starter for me since I listen to lot of DSD albums. At $4K, I consider this to be a serious limitation. I believe we are not far off from a future where DSD files become available to stream.

Nevertheless, LTA has an impressive line of products…the only thing missing, a dedicated outboard phono preamplifier which I would love to audition (add) in my system.

That’s a non-starter for me since I listen to lot of DSD albums.

+1, since I have so many DSD albums and also, all my FLACs are converted to 256 DSD for playback.

teajay

... I would strongly suggest anyone in the market for a stand alone DAC, regardless of price, consider the Aero ... You get a 14 day home . trial. So far no one has returned the Aero ... I believe the Aero is a break through product ...

That sure is a "hard sell" for a component review that isn't even published yet.

Hey cleeds,

I would not refer to my excitement about this DAC as a "hard sell". I have been a Audiogon member for years and professional reviewer for fifteen years. I try to share information on products I review that I believe offer outstanding price vs. performance and the LTA Aero DAC is a killer piece. Most reviewers won't post here because of the flack they often receive. However, many members are complimentary regarding my posts and reviews because it has helped them select gear that fulfilled what they wanted in their system.

Teajay